Luring superyachts Some are on the way to Cairns after marketing event in Tahiti

l GREAT BARRIER REEF

| Nick Dalton SUPERYACHTS which have never been to the Far North are heading to the region.

The Great Barrier Reef is on their radar following the 10th annual Australia Tahiti Rendezvous at Marina Taina in Papeete, attended by Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef chairwoman Kathleen Ferguson and Carrier Carter of Carter Marine Agencies.

Ms Ferguson said they promoted the region’s remarkable diversity and highlighted the exceptional maintenance and supply capabilities of their members.

“The superyacht event provided the perfect opportunity to meet with superyacht captains and crew and provide them with information on exploring our great region,” she said.

“We managed to put Australia on the ‘hit list’ for a number of superyachts in the area, some who previously hadn’t considered Australia.

“Some are already on their way and others will be adding the Great Barrier Reef to their itinerary in 2024 and 2025.”

Ms Ferguson said the captain of the $35 million Lind, which was in Tahiti, was “looking at the options” of visiting Cairns. The vessel is chartered out for $418,000 a week and is owned by German chemical billionaire Peter Alexander Wacker.

She said they put ideas in the heads of owners and captains to cruise and stay in the tropical north.

Another superyacht, which was heading the opposite way to Costa Rica, could be head- ing Down Under instead, Ms Ferguson said. She said they also suggested the annual black marlin competition to another superyacht owner who was travelling the world fishing.

“There was definite interest in the Great Barrier Reef and new cruising grounds,” Ms Ferguson said.

“It was one of the biggest seasons seen in Tahiti and definitely showed that people were on the move to explore new territory.

“There is a notable surge of large vessels eager to explore and cruise the South Pacific.

“The demand for destinations that offer a distinctly unique and unparalleled experience is exceptionally high among the owners of these vessels, who are seeking an experience quite like no other.

“Australia and the Great Barrier Reef region with its Daintree world heritage rainforest and cultural richness offers superyachts an experience their owners and guests are chasing.”

Ms Ferguson said an information expo allowed captains and crew to understand the regulations of entering Australia, cruising within the Great Barrier Reef and chartering in Australian waters.

“Rivergate Marina and Shipyard sponsored a long lunch for captains that provided an excellent opportunity for captains to engage with businesses from Australia’s superyacht industry to discuss the benefits of cruising in Australian waters, our unique itineraries and how our maintenance and refit facilities are some of the finest in the world,” she said.

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